What exactly does a bondsman do? There have been films and television shows about the profession, but their basis in reality is up for debate.
That depends on the bail amount the judge sets. In Kern County, there is a bail schedule with a recommended bail amount listed for each crime.
For example, $50,000 is the recommended bail amount for carjacking, $25 for residential burglary. Some crimes, like murder, can result in bail of $1 million or the defendant being held without bail. Enhancements and prior convictions can result in higher bail.
For simplicity’s sake, let’s say the judge set bail at $10,000.